ACT I

The play begins in the 1860s – during the Victorian era – somewhere in a British colony in Africa. The action centres around the household of colonial administrator Clive and his wife Betty. In an atmosphere of strict moral codes and gender norms, there are stirrings of sexual desire, personal liberation and political rebellion. Despite being seen as illicit, everything from homosexuality to adultery finds a way of coming out.
 

ACT II

After interval, the play moves forward some 150 years to modern-day London. Some of the characters from Act I reappear, played by different actors – for them, only 25 years have passed. In this era of greater sexual and societal openness, the factors limiting personal and sexual freedom have changed, but the past’s restrictions still linger.

CAST & CHARACTERS

Cloud Nine features a raft of characters across its two quite distinct halves. It's an important part of the script that the actors, in some cases, play characters of a different gender. And, at interval, the actors all change or switch roles. It looks a little confusing on paper, but it all makes a lot of sense in the theatre.
 

MATTHEW BACKER

In the first half, Matthew plays Joshua, Clive's servant. In the second half, he plays Gerry, Edward's lover.

KATE BOX

Kate plays two roles in the first half: Ellen, a governess in love with Betty; and Mrs Saunders, a neighbour. In Act II, she plays Lin, mother to Cathy and lover of Victoria. 

HARRY GREENWOOD

In Act I, Harry plays Betty, wife to Clive and the mother of the household. In the second half, he switches roles with Heather Mitchell, playing the older version of Edward. 

ANITA HEGH

Anita plays Maud, Betty's mother, in the first half. After interval, she plays Victoria, Betty's daughter. 

JOSH McCONVILLE

Josh plays Clive in the first half. He's the local colonial administrator and also father of the household which the action revolves around. In the second half, he plays a young girl, Cathy, daughter of Lin, as well as playing a Soldier. 

HEATHER MITCHELL

In Act I, Heather plays the young boy Edward, son of Betty and Clive. After interval, she switches roles with Harry Greenwood and plays the older version of Betty. 

ANTHONY TAUFA

At the start of the show, Anthony plays Harry, a British explorer. In the second half, he plays Martin, Victoria's husband.

Cloud Nine, 1 Jul – 12 Aug 2017, Wharf 1 Theatre

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